I have 2600 miles on my 08 mcs. I want to change the oil just like the other million threads on here, I feel 15k is too long. When I went to go buy the oil filter at the dealer. A customer and the parts guy told me it's too soon and these cars are built strong to last until 15k. Whatever! I'm doing it anyway. Just had to vent. It can't hurt it... right?

 

I brought mine it at 7500 miles and got the same speech. The head service guy went on and on about how Evinrude has a motor that requires no oil change at all. Well, that'd be nice if I was riding around in a boat, but I'm not, so just change the freaking oil. Anyway, they changed it. He seemed liked a cool guy anyway and the service was pretty quick so I can't complain too much. It's just annoying when you drive 2+ hours and then have to listen to some guy tell you that you should forget it and go home.

 

You should be able to change the oil anytime you want but the free change will only be when the OBC tells them to or 1 year has passed otherwise you pay for it.

 

Yes for obvious reasons, they aren't going to tell you that it could help to change a bit more frequently. Needs to stay 15k for the free service, and im sure they are instructed to say the engine will be fine. Of course they really cant be sure, that's an awful long time to figure out, but it certainly cant hurt to change it early.

 

My SA actually suggested I do it at 2500.

 

It never hurts to change the oil. Lifeblood of your engine: cools, cleans and lubricates. Even topping up replenishes the additives somewhat.

 

I'll be changing my own once a year, halfway-between the free changes ... my first was at 3400mi, and the oil looked VERY dirty -- $35 to do it myself is cheap insurance, and it made ME feel better.

 

Ummm....free changes are once a year! Take a look at the terms...It says that you get a free change on the service interval or once a year, whichever comes first.

 

Sure, the engine will be just fine until it's out of warranty...that would just about be the proper time for problems to start manifesting due to premature engine wear. Free is nice but this is an expensive investment to protect. I'll do my own thanks.

 

$35?? Seems awful cheap for synthetic oil and a filter.

 

Not really. The same day I bought my mini up, I went to the parts department and bought 12 qts of oil (1 case) and 2 filters. The total with tax was $99. I believe the oil was $6/qt and the filters were ~$9.80. This is enough to do two oil changes and have 3 spare qts left over. This works out to ~$40/ oil change inc tax.

 

I just changed oil in our new '08 MCS - she had 1680 miles on her. I wanted to get the "break-in" oil out of the engine. Even though it's not really break-in oil, I'm old fashioned and have seen what dirty oil can do to bearings, camshafts, etc.

I used Mobil 1 5W-30 and OEM filter, o-ring and crush washer. I know there are those who will say it's a waste of money, but I consider it cheap insurance ($35.00 plus my time). There is no way I would wait to 15K miles to change oil in any of our vehicles - even with full synthetic.

 

Nice garage!!!!

 

I change my oil every 5K. Even my service advisor says he does the same thing. I start to notice a performance difference around 5K.

Every machanic who changes oil says the oil breaks down way before 15K. Going by the computer's estimates will gunk up your engine.

 

Love those ramps! Where did you get them?
Also, I asked to change my oil at 3000 at the dealer understanding that I would pay, and got the same song and dance....they changed it anyway and I paid. Everyone was happy.

 

I got the same speech from my dealer... but I insisted! I ended paying around $175 USD for a 10K KM oil change

 

Yeah I like those ramps too. Is there enough room in there for you to change a clutch?

And yeah 35$ for the oil change is what i had too, but got to get the right tools the first time. That 27mm socket for the canister isn't exactly normal.

 

Like you said there are a million threads asking these questions and you will get many opinions. I have been building motors for a long time and have seen how the manufacturer assembles engins as well. I cange mine the first 1K for the following reasons.

1. During initial break in there are more metal debris in the engine as the parts wear/breakin.

2. During engine assembly there are many diffrent types of oil used for the cam lobes, crank, piston ring assemblt, etc. even though these oils are OK there will be a mix of other materials in the oil.

3. Since during breakin there will be more engine debris and various other thihgs you otherwise dont want in there changing the oild filter is as good an idea as any.

For the cost of doing a early oil change I cant find a single reason not to do it.

I change my oil every 3-5K after that and I use synthetic oil MOBIL.

 

I think you did the right thing. If you are going to keep your MINI I would change it. I have changed my every 5K miles now.

 

I just had my oil changed today at the MINI dealer, after 2300 miles. The service tech said the oil that came out looked like it was brand new.

 

Details on the lift please...

 

+1

 

I think I found the lift www.kwiklift.com Looks nice. I am going to have to start hinting to the wife what I want for christmas.

 

$175 for an oil change?

That is extreme. You are being robbed. I paid $75 for an oil change. Even with my M3 I never paid more than about $90.

 

Yeah I was wondering what people are paying for their oil changes if they are not doing it themselves. $175 is a lot!